…cast your vote

No, not that kind of vote (except for you, Indiana. Get out and vote, Hoosiers!). The rest of you, I’m talking about the Tony nominations, which were speculated over by Zer yesterday and announced this morning.

And to the surprise of absolutely no one, “Hamilton” received a record-setting 16 Tony nominations…if you thought tickets were hard to get before, just you wait…

In fact, let’s drop the charade and call this year’s Tonys what they are, the Hamilton Awards. And I say that with zero cynicism. Before I go any further: Yes, I’ve seen “Hamilton,” and yes it is that good, better even. I could go on forever, but I’ll keep it quick. One of the things I love most about “Hamilton” is that its rise to prominence isn’t built on a star performer (although they’re all stars to me) or beloved subject matter (no offense to Alexander Hamilton), but on its innovative storytelling and the conversations that it’s inspired beyond the fourth wall. As a fan of theater and history it’s been unbelievable to see it grow.

But back to the Tonys at hand, I say we lean into the “Hamilton” dominance, and make it a three-hour “Hamilton” concert. CBS, it would be an epic way to throw your hat in the live musical ring…just saying.

In all seriousness, this isn’t about who wins (it’s going to be “Hamilton”), it’s about appreciating what this year in live theater has brought us. It’s cliche, but true: It’s an honor just to be nominated. And there’s no one that’s truer for than the shows going up against “Hamilton” this year.